Popeyes vs Wingstop:Which is more popular?
In September 2026, Popeyes and Wingstop were level in searches among fried chicken chains in the United Kingdom, with an estimated 246K branded searches each, at 10.7% of the total each. When we asked ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews about fried chicken chains, Wingstop appeared in all three answers and Popeyes in one. Wingstop was mentioned before Popeyes in two out of three answers.
Who do people search for more?
Popeyes and Wingstop are searched for about as often as each other.
Who does AI mention more?
Wingstop, mentioned in every answer we collected
Who does AI recommend more?
Wingstop, named ahead of Popeyes in 2 of 3 answers
Follow Popeyes vs Wingstop and get free monthly updates on what changed
By continuing you'll get index updates and occasional product news from Brandwave. Unsubscribe any time. Privacy
Top fried chicken chains in ChatGPT and Google AI Overviews
In three ChatGPT questions, Wingstop appeared in all three answers. Popeyes was mentioned in one out of three: in one of the three ChatGPT answers. Wingstop was listed before Popeyes in two out of three answers.
Most recommended by AI
Brands get a higher ranking if they are mentioned earlier in the answers.
- Wingstop1st
KFC2nd
Slim Chickens3rd
Nando's4th
Dave's Hot Chicken5th
Popeyes6th
Jollibee7th
Mentioned by AI
Each dot is one answer, filled in when that answer mentions the brand.
- KFC3 of 3Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Wingstop3 of 3Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Slim Chickens3 of 3Named in 3 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Nando's2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Dave's Hot Chicken2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Jollibee2 of 3Named in 2 of 3 ChatGPT answers
- Popeyes1 of 3Named in 1 of 3 ChatGPT answers
See every answer about fried chicken chains
3 answers
Asked ChatGPT
“What's the best fried chicken chain in the UK?”
Asked ChatGPT
“What are the most popular chicken chains in the UK?”
Asked ChatGPT
“Which UK chain has the best chicken wings?”
Searched Google, AI Overview
“fried chicken”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Searched Google, AI Overview
“chicken shop”
Google showed no AI Overview for this search.
Brands are shown in the order each answer named them. The survey took place in United Kingdom on October 23, 2026.
Is Popeyes or Wingstop more popular in search?
This chart shows how often people search Google for Popeyes and Wingstop by name. Each line represents a brand's share of searches for all seven fried chicken chains we track, month by month, from searches in United Kingdom.
Share of searches by month for Popeyes, Wingstop. The figures are in the table below the chart.
View monthly share of searches table
| Month | KFC | Nando's | Popeyes | Wingstop | Dave's Hot Chicken | Slim Chickens | Jollibee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 2025 | 46.2% | 20.8% | 9.3% | 9.3% | 7.6% | 4.2% | 2.8% |
| Nov 2025 | 44.6% | 20% | 10.9% | 10.9% | 6% | 4.9% | 2.7% |
| Dec 2025 | 42.1% | 23.1% | 10.3% | 10.3% | 6.9% | 4.6% | 2.5% |
| Jan 2026 | 34.3% | 28.2% | 10.3% | 12.6% | 6.9% | 4.6% | 3.1% |
| Feb 2026 | 35.8% | 24.1% | 10.8% | 13.2% | 8.8% | 4.8% | 2.6% |
| Mar 2026 | 40.2% | 22.2% | 9.9% | 9.9% | 9.9% | 5.4% | 2.4% |
| Apr 2026 | 37% | 24.9% | 11.1% | 9.1% | 9.1% | 6.1% | 2.7% |
| May 2026 | 37.6% | 25.3% | 11.3% | 9.2% | 7.6% | 6.2% | 2.8% |
| Jun 2026 | 41.4% | 22.8% | 10.2% | 10.2% | 6.8% | 5.6% | 3.1% |
| Jul 2026 | 37.7% | 25.4% | 9.3% | 9.3% | 9.3% | 6.2% | 2.8% |
| Aug 2026 | 35.8% | 24.1% | 10.8% | 10.8% | 8.8% | 7.2% | 2.6% |
| Sep 2026 | 35.7% | 23.9% | 10.7% | 10.7% | 8.7% | 7.2% | 3.2% |
How has the Popeyes and Wingstop comparison changed over the last 12 months?
3 findings
- The lead changed hands once in the 12 months ending September 2026: Popeyes took it in April 2026.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Popeyes’ share of searches among fried chicken chains in the United Kingdom moved from 9.3% to 10.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 368K to 246K.
- Across the 12 months ending September 2026, Wingstop’s share of searches among fried chicken chains in the United Kingdom moved from 9.3% to 10.7%, and its estimated monthly branded searches moved from 368K to 246K.
How did search popularity change for United Kingdom fried chicken chains in September 2026?
2 changes
How are branded searches counted?
2 search terms
Brandwave collects information about searches that people make online using Popeyes’ and Wingstop’s names. When viewed over time, estimated search volumes for these branded terms can be used to understand whether interest in the brands is growing, holding steady, or fading.
Other head-to-heads among fried chicken chains
Put your own brand in this comparison
Brandwave tracks your branded demand next to the rival you actually watch, with your campaigns, spend and outcomes on the same timeline.